Honjo H, Naya Y, Ukimura O, Kojima M, Miki T
Department of Urology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kyoto, Japan.
Urol Int. 2000;65(4):190-5. doi: 10.1159/000064874.
We investigated the possible use of acupuncture for the treatment of urinary incontinence caused by detrusor hyperreflexia in patients with chronic spinal cord injuries.
A total of 13 patients (11 males, 2 females) suffering from urinary incontinence due to spinal cord injuries were treated by acupuncture, which was carried out with disposable stainless steel needles inserted into the bilateral BL-33 (Zhongliao) points on the skin of the third posterior sacral foramina. Urodynamic studies were also performed before acupuncture, immediately after the 1st acupuncture and 1 week after the 4th acupuncture. In 6 patients, these urodynamic studies were performed again 1 month after the 4th acupuncture.
No side effects were recognized throughout the treatment period. Of the 13 patients, incontinence disappeared in 2 (15%) and decreased to 50% or less compared to baseline in a further 6 (46%). Maximum cystometric bladder capacity increased significantly from 76.2 +/- 62.3 to 148.1 +/- 81.5 ml 1 week after the 4th acupuncture (p < 0.01). In the 6 patients in whom cystometry was repeated 1 month after the 4th acupuncture, bladder capacity decreased from 187.5 +/- 90.4 ml 1 week after the 4th acupuncture to 128.3 +/- 93.4 ml.
In spinal cord injury patients acupuncture could represent another valuable therapeutic alternative to the treatment of urinary incontinence caused by detrusor hyperreflexia.
